A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
† Christmas Eve 2023 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm PRELUDE Prelude on "Divinum Mysterium".................................................................................................T. Frederick H. Candlyn Prelude on “Greensleeves"...........................................................................................................................Richard Purvis *HYMN - "O Come, All Ye Faithful"...........................................................................................................ADESTE FIDELES O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, Born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. God of God, Light of Light, Lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb: Very God, Begotten, not created; Refrain Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God In the highest; Refrain Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, Jesu, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing: Refrain THE BIDDING PRAYER AND LORD'S PRAYER...............................................................................................Rev. Long FIRST LESSON - Genesis 3:8-15.......................................................................................................................Rev. Seamon God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head. CAROL - "The Apple Tree"..........................................................................................................................Elizabeth Poston Janet Ort, Soprano
The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne'er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but now I see 'Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I'm weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree. Anonymous
SECOND LESSON - Genesis 22:15-18..............................................................................................................Rev. Clayton God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
CAROL - "Joys Seven".........................................................................................................................arr. Stephen Cleobury
The first good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of one; To see the blessed Jesus Christ When he was first her son:When he was first her son, good man: And blessed may he be, Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, To all eternity. The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of two; To see her own son, Jesus Christ, To make the lame to go. The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of three; To see her own son, Jesus Christ, To make the blind to see. The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of four; To see her own son, Jesus Christ, To read the bible o’er. The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of five: To see her own son, Jesus Christ, To bring the dead alive. The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of six; To see her own son, Jesus Christ, Upon the crucifix. The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of sev’n; To see her own son, Jesus Christ, To wear the crown of heav’n: To wear the crown of heav’n, good man: And blessed may he be, Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, To all eternity. Traditional
THIRD LESSON - Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7..........................................................................................................................Rev. Long Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah. * HYMN - "Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming".................................................................................................ES IST EIN’ ROS’ Lo, how a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung, Of Jesse’s lineage coming, by faithful prophets sung. It came a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind; With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God’s love aright she bore for us a Savior, when half spent was the night. FOURTH LESSON - Isaiah 11:1-9.........................................................................................................................Rev. Seamon The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown. THE OFFERING CAROL - "And the glory of the Lord" from Messiah......................................................................................George Handel And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 40:5
FIFTH LESSON - St. Luke 1:26-35, 38..............................................................................................................Rev. Clayton The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. CAROL - "O magnum mysterium"...................................................................................................................Andrej Makor
O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia! O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that the animals might see the birth of the Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to carry Christ the Lord. Alleluia! Matin responsary (Lesson IV) for Christmas Day
SIXTH LESSON - St. Matthew 1:18-23.................................................................................................................Rev. Long St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus. CAROL - “O Little Town of Bethlehem”..........................................................................Lewis H. Redner, arr. Stephen Paulus
O Little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary; And gather’d all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars together Proclaim the Holy Birth; And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel. Philip Brooks
SEVENTH LESSON - St. Luke 2:8-20...............................................................................................................Rev. Seamon The shepherds go to the manger.
CAROL - "My Lord has Come"...............................................................................................................................Will Todd
Shepherds, called by angels, called by love and angels; no place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; no place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; no place for me but a stable. My Lord has come. Will Todd
EIGHTH LESSON - St. Matthew 2:1-11............................................................................................................Rev. Clayton The Wise Men are led by the star to Jesus. * HYMN - "What Child Is This".....................................................................................................................GREENSLEEVES What Child is this, who laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain * NINTH LESSON - St. John 1:1-14.........................................................................................................................Rev. Long St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. HOMILY...................................................................................................................................................................Rev. Long THE CHRISTMAS COLLECT...........................................................................................................................Rev. Clayton Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Let us pray. CEREMONY OF LIGHTS CAROL - "Still, Still, Still"..........................................................................................................................Austrian Carol
Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, Holy star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth. The night is peaceful all around you, close your eyes, let sleep surround you. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of the our Saviour’s birth. Dream, dream, dream of joyous day to come. While guardian angels without number watch you as you sweetly slumber. Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come. Marilyn Keither and Alan Bergman
HYMN - "Silent Night"..............................................................................................................................STILLE NACHT Silent night, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: "Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born." Silent night, Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. THE BENEDICTION..............................................................................................................................................Rev. Long May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
* HYMN - "Joy to the World!"...................................................................................................................................ANTIOCH Joy to the world! the Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let us our songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love. * VOLUNTARY "In Thee Is Gladness," BWV 615...................................................................................................Johann Sebastian Bach * Congregation standing
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† Advent and Christmas Flowers - 2023 † THE FLOWERS AND GREENERY during the Advent Season have been made possible by gifts. Below are names of loved ones for whom the gifts were given to the glory of God and in loving memory and honor.
Memorials Mr. & Mrs. Anson Warren Allen Aunt Jo Robert & Kathryn Bailey Mr. & Mrs. William E. Balliet William E. Balliet, Jr. Reb Beck Mr. & Mrs. Rolla Earl Beck, Jr. Margaret Palmer Benton Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Robert Berney Helen & Peter Bolvig Edward McFarland Booth Betty Aldridge Bostwick John Allen Bostwick, Jr. Nancy Starrett Boyd Clara & E. T. Brown, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Clyde R. Brown Mr. William T. Brown Herman & Juanita Busby Millie Busby Mr. & Mrs. Albert Francis Caley, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David W. Carr Mr. George T. Carr Mrs. Kathryne F. Carr Mr. & Mrs. Beach Mead Chenoweth, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. James Barnett Chenoweth Gloria Clark Harold W. “Cotton” Clark
Mrs. Jewel Gladys Clayton The Honorable Preston Copeland Clayton Robert S. Clayton, Jr. Robert Hunt Cochrane III Dorothy Harris Coleman Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Coleman, Sr. Miss Una Connors (Connie) Coleman Mr. & Mrs. George W. Connors, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. George W. Connors, Jr. Una Webster Connors David G. Cook Liston & Mary Frances Cook W. Ralph Cook Rose & Jim Cooley Donald J. Cosby L. Lavelle Cost Mr. & Mrs. B.C. Cox Jeanne M. & George E. Cox Don Ross Craft Mr. & Mrs. Francis Crockard Drew Crumpton Jim Davis Charles Henry Deer Virginia K. Dickson Walter D. Dickson, Sr. Robert Mack Dixon Mr. & Mrs. Charles Perkins Duggan
Kelly Rebecca Duggan Carol Clark Elam Katherine Binford Ennis Dr. John R. Faucette Helen and Harold Faught John Owen Forsythe Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Foust James Foust Mr. & Mrs. Henry S. Fowlkes, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Henry Charles Frech, Jr. Mr. Henry Charles Frech lll Daniel Keener Christenberry Free Mr. & Mrs. Evan Charles Gafford Ralph Fredrick Gafford Herbert E. Gay Dr. Janice T. Gay Ernest & Betty Glass Carroll Vann Goodner, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Henry Vance Graham Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sheffie Graham Joni Gramling Russell Alan Gray Phyllis & Louie Grizzle Judy Sasse Haise Carol & Mitch Hall Mr. & Mrs. Warren D. Hall Mr. & Mrs. Jack DeWitt Hance Francis H. Hare, Jr.
Memorials (continued) Suzanne Balliet Hare Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Chapman Harris, Jr. Sandra Harris Haybe Sumner Hauck Maurice & Jo Heckman Ron Heckman Mr. & Mrs. Carl T. Hewitt Beth Miree Higham Elizabeth Ellen Ozier Hill Mr. and Mrs. Harry Claypool Howell, Jr. Miss Lottice Howell Patricia Schreiber Jones Mr. & Mrs. Martin J. Kelly Carter Stallworth Kennedy Dr. Dorothea Klip Dr. Willem Klip Florence Krannich Louis Krannich Martee & John Lanier Mr. & Mrs William Leary Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Leatherbury Kathleen Liles Henry Sprott Long Margaret P. Long Dr. & Mrs. John N. Lukens Dr. & Mrs. John N. Lukens Cynthia S. Mabry John & Mary Anna Macnab Mr. & Mrs. James Llewellyn Mann Mr. & Mrs. Don McCormick Virginia & Don McCormick Mr. & Mrs. Joe McDavid, Sr. Mr. Joe McDavid, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. A.B. McDougald, Sr. Mr. A.B. McDougald, Jr. Mary & Jesse McGlothlin Gerald Finleigh McKenzie Gerald Kenneth McKenzie Hobart A. McWhorter, Jr. Michael Daniel Medeiros Charles Mercer John Miles, Jr. Mark L. Miller Mallory Miree Mr. & Mrs. Richard H. Monk, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Moodie William Simms Moor Ashlea Alkire Morrow Hugh Morrow, Sr. Martha Mann Morrow Mr. Anson Allen Murdoch
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nelson Murdoch Mr. Donald Nelson Murdoch, Jr. Miss Elinor Murdoch Mr. & Mrs. William Lincoln Murdoch Mr. & Mrs. William Frank Myers Mr. & Mrs. Jesse F. Newton Charles Swift Northen III Mr. & Mrs. John Huber O’Donnell, Sr. Mr. Patrick Martin O’Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Morgan Oslin Ogilvie, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Kirkman O’Neal Dr. E.P. Ort Mrs. Deborah Moodie Overstreet Dr. & Mrs. Gene Ruffner Page John Milton Grosvenor Parker, Jr. Carleton Benners Parnell Dr. & Mrs. L. C. Parnell, Jr. Dr. Thomas Hansel Peacock, Jr. Marvin Perry Dr. & Mrs. David H. Pontius, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Paul Porter Ellen Hodges Powell Mr. John R. Prewitt, Jr. Edith & Jim Quarles Tom Rains Mr. & Mrs. Henry Barnes Ray, Sr. Tom Recio Mr. & Mrs. R. Thomas Reed Parents of Mallory & Martha Reeves Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Romjue Thomas Butler Ross Mr. & Mrs. John Edward Salter Kay Webb Savage Joseph W. Schreiber Shirley Gafford Seay Elizabeth O’Neal White Shannon Mrs. Clara Shepard Sara Robinson Sistrunk Donald Jackson Smith Mrs. J. Craig Smith Lathrop W. Smith, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Finis Ewing St. John, Jr. Warren Jackson St. John Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Stammer Mr. Benjamin Franklin Stokes lll Hoyt L. Summerford Mr. & Mrs. Leo Sumner Starke Sydnor Caroline Reed Taylor Clinton Williams Taylor Mr. & Mrs. George M. Taylor, Jr. John Dorman Thomson Mr. & Mrs Winfred Elwood Todd
Mr. & Mrs. James A. Townsend, Jr. Mr. David J. Turner Frances Ridout Turner Patricia C. Turner Dan Uhey Mr. & Mrs. Marvin L. Underwood, Sr. Mr. M. List Underwood, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Maurice K. Verdeyen Robert Joseph Verdeyen Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Vinson Mr. & Mrs. Donald Anthony Waitzman Dr. & Mrs. Auddis M. Walker, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Auddis M. Walker, Jr. Ken & Mary Belle Walker Barbara Noojin Walthall Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Walthall Ms. Margaret Rush Walton Mr. & Mrs. William Morris Walton Mr. Guy Allen Weatherford lll Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Eugene Weatherford, Sr. Mary Anne & Robert Weatherly Mr. & Mrs. W. S. Webster Ruth Whaley Claude & Doris White Dr. David Hart White Hope & Molton Williams Sarah Anne Fitz Peacock Wilson Peggy & Paul S. Woodall Felix Calvin Yarboro Mr. & Mrs. Kapp Yarboro Laura Noel Yarboro Mr. Lee Yeager Tom & Helen York
Honorariums Austin Bourn Cate Bourn Mrs. Betsy Faucette Judy Feagin
Judy & John Feagin Bartley Harrison Free Tanner Davis Free The Hartline Family
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Brian Mabry Ives Ort Catherine Ort-Mabry
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ANNOUNCEMENTS THE WREATH in the Sanctuary is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Crockard, and Mrs. and Mrs. Donald McCormick.THE FLOWERS on the War Memorial are given to the Glory of God and in honor of all past and present military personnel. CONCERNING THE CEREMONY OF LIGHTS - Worshippers will receive candles with paper wax-guards upon entering the nave. These will be used only during the Ceremony of Lights near the end of the service. The acolytes will light the first candle in each pew on the aisle, and each worshipper will share the light, representing the presence of Christ in the world, with their neighbor. Please note, however, in no case should a lit candle be tilted; rather, the unlit candle should be tilted over the lit one. Worshippers remain seated during the ceremony and are invited to sing "Silent Night" with the choir. When the ministers have extinguished their candles, the worshippers will do likewise. After the service, please deposit your candle in the appropriate vessel at the door. Your help is greatly appreciated. THIS YEAR’S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING: Each year on Christmas Eve we take a special offering. This year’s special offering will benefit IPC Social Services. If you would like to contribute to the special offering, please place your donation in the offering plate and note “Special Offering.” Ushers will collect the offering during the Carol following the Fourth Lesson. For your convenience, we also provide a giving option through texting. Simply text CHRISTMAS to 205-927-3100 and follow the instructions. AT THE CONCLUSION of the 4 pm service, the congregation is requested to leave promptly to facilitate preparation for the next service. Please exit through the Parlor and side nave doors. THE BEAUTIFUL CRÈCHE displayed annually in the Parlor is made possible through the generosity of Robin and Jim Sulzby. The crèche is a family heirloom passed down by Robin’s grandmother, Mrs. C. Eugene Ireland. Mrs. Sulzby estimates that the crèche is over 100 years old. IPC members and staff are so grateful to Robin and her family for sharing this special gift each Advent season. THE ENTIRE STAFF of Independent Presbyterian Church would like to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and peace.
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Participants in this Service The Rev. Kevin J. Long, Pastor The Rev. Susan A. Clayton, Associate Pastor, Congregational Care & Adult Faith Formation The Rev. David J. Seamon, Associate Pastor, Faith Formation Dr. Jeff R. McLelland, Director of Music and Fine Arts The Independent Presbyterian Church Choir